Fansided

NFL Rumors: Minnesota Vikings’ Michael Floyd suspended four games

By Jake Goldstein-Street

FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 24: New England Patriots wide receiver Michael Floyd (14) prior to the National Football League game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets on December 24, 2016, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The New England Patriots defeat the New York Jets 41-3. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 24: New England Patriots wide receiver Michael Floyd (14) prior to the National Football League game between the New England Patriots and the New York Jets on December 24, 2016, at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, MA. The New England Patriots defeat the New York Jets 41-3. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Vikings will be losing a key piece of their offense to start next season.

According to Field Yates of ESPN, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Michael Floyd has been suspended for the first four games of the 2017 regular season.

The Floyd suspension bonanza has been shifting for weeks. On June 10, Floyd failed three self-administered breathalyzer tests. He tried to convince the NFL that kombucha tea was the reason for his failure. However, with this decision, the league makes clear it did not want to take any chances that the wide receiver could be lying.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer was skeptical of Floyd’s defense. According to the Pioneer Press, Zimmer said “If I find out you’re lying to me, I’m going to cut you.” The coach made this clear to Floyd shortly after the news originally broke in June.

However, the organization as a whole stood up for Floyd. Kevin Warren, the Vikings chief operating officer, vigorously defended the recent acquisition.

Floyd will be missed for the first quarter of the season. He has had a successful career in New England and Arizona since being drafted in the first round in 2012. He has three seasons in which he caught passes for more than 800 yards.

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Meanwhile, the Vikings receiving corps is weak. They were 17th in the NFL in team receiving during the 2016 regular season. Stefon Diggs and Laquon Treadwell are set to be the top two options for Sam Bradford next season. Treadwell made just one catch last season.

Floyd can bring experience and consistency to the wide receiver position. He has proven himself as a winner with his success with both the Cardinals and Patriots. Additionally, he is a target that Bradford can count on to not drop passes. The Vikings needs him to perform next season.

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